Stigma and discrimination

Stigma and discrimination
Definitions
Stereotypes A stereotype is a set of beliefs about the characteristics or attributes of a group of people, which can lead to stigma and discrimination.
Stigma is the process of perceiving a characteristic of another, as deviant from the social expectations that are held by the majority.
Stigma becomes discrimination when thoughts, beliefs or attitudes evolve into direct action.
Discrimination is defined as any unfavourable treatment of an individual based solely on their membership of a certain group. Discrimination involves exhibiting a negative behaviour towards members of a social group, other than one’s own, and can result in limiting members of one group from opportunities that are available to others.

Types of stigma
a) Self stigma – this is where one has stigma of oneself and includes feelings of self hatred, shame and blame. It is associated by;
 hiding illness or concerns from others.
 Avoiding company of friends and family.
 Avoiding services that can help incase of disease.
b) Felt stigma – this are the attitude, perceptions (views) or feelings that people have towards HIV positive people.
c) Enacted stigma – this comprise of action(s) directed towards a HIV positive person.
d) Associated stigma – this is stigma directed towards family and friends of HIV positive persons or those suffering from illness associated with HIV/AIDS.

Causes of stigma
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Ignorance, lack of knowledge.
Attitudes and perceptions.
Fear of unknown.

Effects of stigma
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Reduced morale among the infected and the affected.
Loss of work due to sacking and absenteeism.
School drop out
Depression

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Poor health due to avoidance of treatment.
Lack of support
Low self esteem
Lack of disclosure the health worker who travels to a faraway clinic to get her monthly supply of antiretrovirals, fearing that her colleagues will find out that she is HIV positive
 the doctor who